Iridokorneala

Iridokorneala refers to the junction between the iris and the cornea of the eye. This critical anatomical area is where the iris, the colored part of the eye that controls pupil size, meets the cornea, the transparent outer layer that covers the iris and pupil. The iridocorneal angle is a complex structure that plays a vital role in the regulation of intraocular pressure, the pressure within the eye.

The iridocorneal angle contains structures such as the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. Aqueous humor, the fluid that nourishes the eye, is produced in the ciliary body and flows through the pupil into the anterior chamber. From the anterior chamber, it drains out of the eye primarily through the iridocorneal angle, specifically via the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm's canal.

Disruptions or blockages within the iridocorneal angle can impede the outflow of aqueous humor, leading to an increase in intraocular pressure. This elevated pressure, known as ocular hypertension, can damage the optic nerve and lead to glaucoma, a serious condition that can cause irreversible vision loss. Conditions affecting the iridocorneal angle are often diagnosed through gonioscopy, a procedure where a special lens is used to visualize the angle. Understanding the health of the iridocorneal angle is essential for diagnosing and managing various eye diseases.